India commercial aviation sector to grow by 9%: Report

The commercial aviation sector in India and the Middle East is expected to achieve overall annual growth of 9 per centand 10 per cent, respectively, for several years to come and will account for11 per cent of the total aircraft deliveries worldwide over the next decade.

A new report by aviation intelligence firm OAG and UBMAviation reveals a striking contrast of opportunities and challenges in two ofthe world's fastest-growing travel markets.

Perspective | What ails Indian aviation

The OAG India and Middle East Aviation Market Analysis basesits projections on the consistently growing demand for air travel , a surge inaircraft orders, steadily increasing inbound tourism, spectacular airportdevelopment plans and the enthusiasm of investors for the sector.

"However, both markets face immense challenges in meetingthe expected future growth in passengers and aircraft operations, which requiremassive expansion of infrastructure and high-performing aviation systems,"the report said.

In India, the government's open-sky policy has enticed manyforeign aviation leaders to enter the market, spurring rapid industry expansionboosted by the growing population and increased demand for international traveland trade, as well as an increasing VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives)market, the report said.

"It is estimated that in the next decade, the Indianmarket will absorb approximately 316 commercial jets and need three times thenumber of airports that it has today, whilst at the same time, the countrydoesn't have enough skilled labour to maintain or to fly the aircraft,"the report  said.